Energy consumption reporting and modification system

ABSTRACT

Provided are methods and apparatus that determine a benchmark of energy consumption for an energy system and utilize the determined benchmark in a variety of ways. Once determined, the determined benchmark may be compared to current energy consumption and current outdoor temperature to verify proper operation of the system and identify deviations in system operation. The benchmark may be used to determine the impact of an implemented change in the operation of the system. The determined benchmark may also be used to contract for a term in an agreement and to verify the satisfaction of a term in an agreement.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to monitoring, analyzing, and reporting ofenergy consumption for structures, including commercial buildings.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Energy consumption often presents a significant cost to companies.However, typical ways to measure energy consumption lack the ability toidentify or pinpoint energy consumption deficiencies in commercialbuildings. The standard methods of energy consumption analysis used bythe Department of Energy's Energy Star program and the generalengineering community typically rely on heating and cooling degree daysto approximate energy consumption. In the U.S., the degree day unit ofmeasure estimates the demand for energy required for heating or coolingusing the typical standard outdoor air temperature of 65° F. (18.3° C.).For each 1° F. decrease or increase from this standard in the averageoutside temperature, one heating or cooling degree day is recorded. Forinstance, if the average mean outside temperature for a day was 60° F.,it records as 5 heating degree days (HDD); if it was 70° F., it recordsas 5 cooling degree days (CDD). Although this method may be utilized foranalyzing the total energy consumption in a 24 hour period, this methodtypically does little to explain how that energy was consumed in that 24hour period. For instance, the degree day method of energy consumptionanalysis typically makes no correlation between the instantaneousbuilding heating and/or cooling loads and the performance of themechanical systems in the facility.

Some studies have represented energy consumption in a scatter patternbased on outdoor temperature and KW or kilowatts, but there is still aneed to improve the measurement of energy consumption and utilize thefindings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the invention provide methods and apparatus to addressthe need arising from the prior art.

In particular, embodiments of the invention use a benchmark of energyconsumption for an energy system in a variety of ways. In particular,embodiments consistent with the principles of the invention may receivecomparative data for the energy system. The received comparative dataincludes outdoor temperature data for a plurality of outdoortemperatures over a period of time that the energy system is activated,and the received comparative data includes energy consumption data forthe energy system corresponding to the received outdoor temperaturedata. The embodiments may also determine the benchmark based upon timecorrelation of the received outdoor temperature data and the receivedenergy consumption data for the energy system. The determined benchmarkis indicative of energy consumption expected by the energy system atdifferent outdoor temperatures.

Once determined, the determined benchmark may be compared to currentenergy consumption and current outdoor temperature to verify properoperation of the system and identify deviations (e.g., unintentionalchanges) in system operation. Alternately, the benchmark may be used todetermine the impact (e.g., effectiveness or lack thereof) of animplemented change (e.g., intentional change) in the operation of thesystem. The determined benchmark may also be used in agreements withenergy providers, establishing a baseline of energy consumption toqualify for a discount or avoid a penalty, that is a function of outdoortemperature. The determined benchmark may also be used to contract for aterm in an agreement (e.g., in agreements with energy consultants toreduce energy consumption by a specific percentage) and to verify thesatisfaction of a term in an agreement. Thus, the determined benchmarkmay be used to negotiate energy savings standards into agreements withenergy providers as well as energy consultants.

The principles of the present invention may be implemented by the use ofa computer system programmed with software, an online service (softwareas a service or application service provider) or as a programmed productdelivered for use on general purpose computer systems. Moreover, theinvention may be used as part of a business consulting process thatincorporates the steps and methods of the invention using a computersystem.

These and other advantages will be apparent in light of the followingfigures and detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and,together with a general description of the invention given above and thedetailed description of the embodiments given below, serve to explainthe principles of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a distributed implementation of an energyconsumption reporting and modification system consistent with theprinciples of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a more detailed view of a client-server basedcomputer system or environment of FIG. 1 consistent with the principlesof the present invention.

FIG. 3A illustrates a graphical representation of the benchmark ofenergy consumption in the form of electricity that may be determined andutilized by the system of FIG. 1 or FIG. 2 consistent with theprinciples of the present invention.

FIG. 3B illustrates a more detailed view of the graphical representationof the benchmark of FIG. 3A consistent with the principles of thepresent invention. FIG. 4 illustrates a graphical representation of thebenchmark of energy consumption in the form of natural gas that may bedetermined and utilized by the system of FIG. 1 or FIG. 2 consistentwith the principles of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary benchmark determination routine to beexecuted by the system of FIG. 1 or FIG. 2 consistent with theprinciples of the present invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary change impact routine to be executed bythe system of FIG. 1 or FIG. 2 consistent with the principles of thepresent invention.

FIGS. 7A-7B illustrates exemplary benchmark utilization routines to beexecuted by the system of FIG. 1 or FIG. 2 consistent with theprinciples of the present invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates a more detailed meter structure of the meter in FIG.1 consistent with the principles of the present invention.

It should be understood that the appended drawings are not necessarilyto scale, presenting a somewhat simplified representation of variouspreferred features illustrative of the basic principles of theinvention. The specific design features of the sequence of operations asdisclosed herein, including, for example, specific dimensions,orientations, locations, and shapes of various illustrated components,will be determined in part by the particular intended application anduse environment. Certain features of the illustrated embodiments mayhave been enlarged or distorted relative to others to facilitatevisualization and clear understanding.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

When evaluating the energy consumption of commercial buildings or otherbuildings, two important variables that determine how much energy abuilding will consume is its occupancy level and the heating/coolingload placed on the mechanical systems of the facility. In general, forcommercial buildings, energy consumption due to occupancy is a timesensitive event. For instance, at about 8:00 A.M., people begin to entera building and conduct the daily business of the day. As lights areturned on and office equipment is utilized, the building's energyconsumption rises. At about 5:00 P.M., people begin to go home and theenergy consumption of the building drops off to an unoccupied level onceagain. If the heating and air conditioning loads of a facility arefactored out, the basic energy consumption profile of the facility ispredictable if the time of day is known. Once a facility's heating andcooling loads is introduced into an energy profile analysis, energymodels become a function of the time of day occupancy and theheating/cooling load of the building.

But when degree day based energy analysis methods are used, the abilityto analyze how building occupancy and specific outdoor air temperatureseffect how commercial buildings consume energy is typically hampered.This is because the degree day method of analysis looks at an averageenergy use over 24 hour period, and no correlation is typically made todescribe instantaneous energy consumption load caused by a specificoccupancy level, at specific time of day, at a specific outdoor airtemperature load. Unless these factors are considered for a commercialbuilding's (or other building's) energy consumption on an instantaneousconsumption level, one may not be able to accurately assess how thecommercial building consumes energy at precise loads or make meaningfulobservations concerning performance of the commercial building'smechanical assets. Thus, consistent with the principles of the presentinvention, all of this information may be provided as comparative data(or comparison data) to determine a benchmark that is indicative ofenergy consumption expected by the energy system at different outdoortemperatures, and the determined benchmark (or just benchmark) beutilized in a variety of ways.

Indeed, embodiments of the invention include methods and apparatuses todetermine a benchmark of energy consumption for an energy system over aperiod of time to gauge typical energy consumption by the system, andutilize the benchmark in various ways. For example, the determinedbenchmark may be utilized to determine how a change implemented to thesystem impacts energy consumption (e.g., whether it lowers energyconsumption or increases energy consumption). Changes that lower energyconsumption may be maintained while changes that increase energyconsumption may be reversed.

Furthermore, the determined benchmark may be utilized to identify adeviation in energy consumption, including a deviation in energyconsumption that is above the determined benchmark as well as adeviation in energy consumption that is lower than the determinedbenchmark. For instance, if the energy consumption of the energy systembased on the benchmark has a range of x kilowatts to y kilowatts whenthe outdoor temperature is t Fahrenheit, a deviation may be identifiedthat is above or below the benchmark when that same or similartemperature is again encountered. Upon identification of a deviation inenergy consumption that is above the determined benchmark (i.e.,signifying higher than expected energy consumption), an occurrencecausing (or likely causing) the deviation may be identified and reversalof that occurrence may be initiated. Upon identification of a deviationthat is below the determined benchmark (i.e., signifying lower thanexpected energy consumption), the deviation may be maintained andreported to an energy provider and a discount may be received. If nodeviation is identified, then the energy system is likely operating asexpected.

The benchmark may be determined for each energy system at a building orfacility. The energy system may be a heating, ventilating, and airconditioning system known as an HVAC system, a heating and coolingsystem, practically any system that consumes energy, larger system withat least one HVAC system and other energy consuming equipment or thataffect energy consumption, etc. Of note, the benchmark is not just ofthe HVAC system, but may be of the entire building or facility, as datatypically comes off the main meter and includes lights, computers, etc.,not just data from the HVAC system. Indeed, the energy reduction actionstaken in other areas, such as installation of Energystar computermonitors, may be identified or reflected in the benchmark. Thus, changesin use habits, such as trying to change the way the lights are used, maybe implemented and evaluated against the benchmark for effectiveness. Assuch, the principles of the present invention may be applicable topractically any energy system, including a larger system that includesat least one HVAC system. Moreover, the principles of the presentinvention may be applicable regardless of the type of energy that isconsumed (e.g., natural gas or just gas, electricity or just electric,fuel oil, etc.).

As occupancy may be a strong factor in energy consumption, occupied andunoccupied days may be separately benchmarked. Similarly, “weekday” and“weekend” days, as well as “peak” and “off peak”, may be separatelybenchmarked. What is considered “peak,” “off peak,” “occupied,”“unoccupied,” “weekday,” and “weekend” depends upon the building orfacility because if substantial business is conducted between midnightand 4:00 AM, for example, this may be considered peak instead of offpeak. The benchmark may be determined for each of these from thecomparative data.

Comparative data may include practically any data that is associatedwith the energy system, and may include data specific to the buildingsuch as exact or approximate square footage or size of the building,exact or approximate energy consumption data, exact or approximateoutdoor temperature data, exact or approximate time associated with thedata, exact or approximate date associated with the data, etc. Theterminology comparative data or comparison data is used for simplicityto refer to the data that may be utilized to determine the benchmark.

Specifically, the comparative data may include a plurality of datapoints over a period of time for a plurality of outdoor temperatures(e.g., over a period that includes the summer, fall, winter, and springseasons from zero degrees Fahrenheit to 125 degrees Fahrenheit or over aperiod of days). The period of time may vary, and may be, for example,three years or two years or one year of data to determine the benchmark,or any other period that may adequately predict the expected energyconsumption by the energy system. Alternatively, an average period maybe utilized, such as the average of two years. For instance, a year withthe most outdoor temperature data variations may be selected, or largestrange of outdoor temperature data within the last three years may beselected, or multiple years may be combined and each outdoor temperaturestamp may be averaged to establish the benchmark. The data points may bereceived about every fifteen minutes (i.e., in fifteen minute intervals)or other interval such as about every hour.

Each data point in the benchmark may be associated with a date, with atime, with the exact or approximate energy consumption (e.g., inkilowatts, mcf, etc.) of the energy system at that date and time, withthe exact or approximate outdoor temperature (e.g., in Fahrenheit orCelsius) at that date and time, etc. Thus, the benchmark may bedetermined based upon received outdoor temperature data and receivedenergy consumption data for the energy system, among other comparativedata. Outdoor temperature data may be measured at the location beingbenchmarked, or may be acquired from public sources such as publisheddata from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).NOAA may include temperature data it has gathered from around the world.

Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the determinedbenchmark may be utilized as an objective standard to make decisionsregarding energy consumption for the energy system, document energyconsumption by the energy system, including typical, lower, and/orhigher energy consumption expected by the energy system, as well asother benefits. The determined benchmark also functions to predict orset expectations of energy usage when the same or similar criteria isencountered (e.g., the same or similar outdoor temperatures areencountered). For simplicity, the term similar will be used herein torefer to both same and/or similar. The determined benchmark may alsoprovide real-time or near real-time expectations. Appendices A-Nillustrate exemplary reports consistent with the principles of thepresent invention.

Indeed, the following benefits may be provided in accordance with theprinciples of the present invention. A customer running the energysystem may benefit as follows: its energy consumption may be lowered,the costs of running the system may be reduced, more efficient operationof the system may result, which may extend the life of the system anddelay replacement, receive additional discounts or rewards forcurtailing energy consumption, avoid penalties, verify performance ofterms in agreements, set terms in agreements, detrimental changes may bereversed while beneficial changes may be maintained, deviations inexpected energy consumption may be identified and reversed ifdetrimental or maintained if beneficial, the negative impact on theenvironment from energy consumption may be reduced, etc. Indeed, thebenchmark may even be utilized by the customer to constrain energyconsumption among all or many of the outdoor temperatures and may leadto reduction in utility bills. Furthermore, the energy provider thatprovides energy to the customer benefit as follows: it may be betterable to predict the energy consumption needs for at least some of itscustomers, and as a result, this may lead to better management of energyresources, reduction of blackouts, cost savings as the provider may beable to reduce the need to purchase energy on the open market fromanother energy provider to meet its demand, delay the costlyconstruction of additional power plants to meet demand, reduction ofenvironmental impact, etc. For an energy consultant (or entity or energyservice company), who are often employed to analyze the customer'senergy usage (Appendices D-E) and to lower it, but typically find itdifficult to show that the energy consultant has accomplished his or herjob, the energy consultant may benefit as follows: the energy consultantmay be better able to prove that the customer's energy savings arehigher than the fees paid to the energy consultant for his or herservices, verify satisfaction of terms in agreements, identify whetherchanges that are implemented by the energy consultant are beneficial ordetrimental, etc. Furthermore, energy consultants may be able tocontract for and have more realistic terms set in agreements via thebenchmark. For instance, an energy consultant that replaces or managesthe energy system may be able to contract to reduce energy use by 7% anddemonstrate that accomplishment using the benchmark. Thus, a businessmodel may be created for the energy consultant via the benchmark orbenchmarks.

Indeed, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that thebenchmarks may provide a reasonable level of certainty that wastypically not available. As such, this may reduce the uncertainty in theenergy industry, and may reduce the arguments over energy bills andother energy related activities.

Turning now more specifically to the figures, wherein like numbersdenote like parts throughout the several views, FIG. 1 illustrates adistributed implementation of an energy consumption reporting andmodification computer system or environment consistent with theprinciples of the present invention. In general, the arrows in FIG. 1illustrate the possible flow of information (e.g., one way communicationvs. two way communication) or possible interactions. Specifically, awebsite 10 such as Pathian.com, but not limited to Pathian.com, may bethe central hub of the computer system 5, and accessible via theInternet. The website 10 may include a mainframe and may function as aserver (discussed further in connection with FIG. 2). Functions of themainframe may include reporting deviations in energy consumption by theenergy system that are above or below the benchmark by sending emailspointing out to the recipient a dramatic efficiency change. Furthermore,a function of the mainframe may be management of documents (e.g., energyrelated documents). Another function of the mainframe may be to minor anenergy star management process, in other words, implementing an energyproject, measuring the performance of the energy system subsequent tothe implemented energy project and compare the performance to thebenchmark to determine whether the implemented energy project loweredenergy consumption, and repeat the process for each implemented energyproject.

The website 10 may receive comparative data from a variety of sources,for example, comparative data such as energy consumption data for theenergy system, in the form of kWh, may be received as comparative data15. The comparative data 15 may be received directly from at least onemeter 20, such as a kWh meter, as pulse and/or analog output. The kWhmeter may be situated at the building or facility with the energysystem. The kWh energy consumption data that is transmitted to thewebsite 10 may be in the form of a mapped Excel file on a server of thecustomer (i.e., customer running the energy system such as customers45), and the IT personnel of the customer may have to coordinate this.The energy consumption data may also be transmitted to the website 10directly from utility companies or energy providers 25. In particular,the utility companies 25 often have a website or web page where thecustomer may get energy consumption data, and this data may be directlytransmitted to the website 10 from the utility companies 25, or to thecustomer in the comparative data 15 and then transmitted to the website10. The utility companies 25 typically provide energy consumption data(e.g., for electric) every fifteen minutes for all commercial customers.However, residential customers may also have energy consumption dataevery fifteen minutes by updating their meters. Although those ofordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the more frequent thereceived data, the more data points, and the more accurate the benchmarkmay be, however, data points may be received in other intervals, notjust every fifteen minutes. Moreover, as noted hereinabove, theprinciples of the present invention may be applicable to practically anytype of energy that is consumed (e.g., natural gas or just gas,electricity or just electric, fuel oil, etc.). In the case of fuel oil,the customer may have to provide the website 10 with the gallons of fueloil consumed.

Turning more specifically to the meter 20, FIG. 8 illustrates a meterstructure 800 that illustrates different sources where comparative data,such as energy consumption data, may be received from and/or retrievedfrom. Specifically, each of the health care, corporations, and otherentities at blocks 805, 815, and 820, respectively, may have asubstructure similar to that of the federal government of block 810,including a variety of meters and sub meters with comparative data. Asillustrated, the federal government of block 810 may include a pluralityof states, such as state 1 at block 825, state 2 at block 830, and staten at block 835. And, each of the state 2 and state n may be furtherbroken down as illustrated in connection with state 1.

State 1, for example, may have school districts at block 840,universities at block 845, and other at block 850. Each of these mayfurther be broken down, for example, the universities at block 845 maybe broken down to university 1 at block 855 and university n at block860, and may be broken down even further such as the school districts atblock 840. The school districts may be broken down into a first meter atblock 865 with data from school 1 at block 875 and a second meter atblock 870 with data for school n at block 880.

School 1 at block 875 may include a sub meter 885 for lighting 890,which depends upon sub meter 895 for lighting 1 at block 900 and submeter 905 for lighting n at block 910. School 1 may further include asub meter 915 for mechanical 920, such as mechanical equipment, whichdepends upon sub meter 925 for equipment 1 at block 930 and sub meter935 for equipment n at block 940. Similarly, school 1 at block 875 mayinclude a sub meter 945 for some other load 1 at block 950 and sub meter955 for some other load n at block 960.

Of note, each of the meters and sub meters illustrated in FIG. 8, forexample, may provide comparative data, including energy consumptiondata. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that many othermeters, sub meters, as well as other sources not illustrated in FIG. 8may provide comparative data.

Returning to FIG. 1, comparative data such as outdoor temperature datamay be received by the website 10 from National Oceanic and AtmosphericAdministration or NOAA 30 or even from comparative data 15. For example,NOAA 30 may provide weather data by zip code and hourly. Alternatively,the outdoor temperature data may be provided more locally or duringdifferent intervals. Of note, the energy consumption data and theoutdoor temperature data may be received at different intervals (e.g.,energy consumption data may be received at about every fifteen minuteswhile outdoor temperature data may be received at about every hour).Also, data may not always be available consistently, thus, somecomparative data such as energy consumption data and the outdoortemperature data may be received as available, including sporadically.On the other hand, multiple data may be available. For example, theremay be multiple outdoor temperature data (e.g., two readings) receivedfrom NOAA for hour 11 (i.e., 11:00 AM), in such a case, both of thereadings may be utilized or one may be ignored depending on how muchother data is available. Nonetheless, the energy consumption data andthe outdoor temperature data may be received by the website 10 for theenergy system over a period of time.

Comparative data may include practically any data that is associatedwith the energy system, and may include data specific to the buildingsuch as exact or approximate square footage or size of the building,exact or approximate energy consumption data (e.g., kWh, kVar, kVa,power factor, Mcf, etc.), exact or approximate outdoor temperature data(e.g., as dry bulb, as wet bulb, or as enthalpy), exact or approximatetime associated with the data (or portion thereof such as the hour),exact or approximate date associated with the data (or portion thereofsuch as year), timestamp associated with data, account number (e.g.,customer's account number utilized by the energy provider), etc. Theabbreviation kWh stands for kilowatt hour and is typically the unit ofmeasurement for electricity. The abbreviation kVar refers to reactivepower present in an electrical circuit. The abbreviation kVa refers toapparent power in an electrical circuit. Power factor typically refersto how much energy is consumed by the energy system when compared to howmuch energy was received from the energy provider and is expressed asthe ratio of real power to apparent power. The Power Factor is a numberbetween 0 and 1 that is expressed as a percentage. For example, theenergy provider may increase its charges on an energy bill if the powerfactor falls below 0.90 or 90%. The abbreviation Mcf is typically theunit of measurement for natural gas and is equal to 1,000 cubic feet ofnatural gas. Dry bulb temperature refers to a measurement of the outdoortemperature one would read from a home thermometer. Wet bulb temperaturerefers to is the lowest temperature that can be reached by theevaporation of water only. It is the temperature you feel when your skinis wet and is exposed to moving air. Unlike dry bulb temperature, wetbulb temperature is an indication of the amount of moisture in the air.Enthalpy refers to the total sensible and latent heat content of theair.

The energy consumption data, the outdoor temperature data, and any othercomparative data received by the website 10 may be stored in database35, which is associated with the website 10. Once sufficient data pointsare received for meaningful analysis (e.g., analysis that will likelypredict energy consumption by the energy system with reasonablecertainty), the benchmark may be determined by the website 10 from thisdata for the energy system. The benchmark may be determined by adding upthe received energy consumption data per outdoor temperature during theperiod of time, averaging the sums per outdoor temperature during theperiod, and normalizing the averages, if necessary (e.g., by utilizingsquare footage). Thus, every time the outdoor temperature was 13 degreesFahrenheit, for example, or similar to that in some embodiments (and maydepend on availability of data), such as 13.1 degrees Fahrenheit, thekWh may be added up, and ultimately the sum may be averaged (e.g., bydividing the sum by the quantity of kWh values added) to get a benchmarkin the form of a single value for 13 degrees Fahrenheit. The sameprocess may be repeated for each outdoor temperature where data has beenreceived. Furthermore, all of the averages per degree may be summed andaveraged to have a single benchmark value such as a single benchmarkvalue of all kWh usage across all temperatures received. The determinedbenchmark may further be broken down per hour by adding and averagingthe energy consumption data per outdoor temperature per hour.

As an example of normalizing by square footage, if the benchmark isdetermined for a building that has a square footage of 100,000, and anadditional 100,000 square footage is added to the building that willoperate in the same or similar manner as the initial square footage sothat it will likely consume energy at the same or similar rate, then thedetermined benchmark may be multiplied by two to determine the newbenchmark. Nonetheless, the received comparative data such as the energyconsumption data and the outdoor temperature data may be received asdescribed above, the energy consumption data may be correlated with theoutdoor temperature data, the energy consumption data may be summed peroutdoor temperature data, and the sum may be averaged per outdoortemperature data to determine the benchmark.

Thus, how much energy is typically consumed by the energy system whenthe outdoor temperature is 5 degrees Fahrenheit may be predicted bydetermining the benchmark by adding and averaging the energy consumptiondata of the energy system per outdoor temperature data of 5 degreesFahrenheit. And, the determined benchmark may even be used in the caseof new additions to a building or a totally new construction using abenchmark from the old building. Square footage as the compensatingfactor may be particularly accurate if the model building is of the samekind as the new building. The determined benchmark may be illustrated asa curve or a value or multiple values. Indeed, those of ordinary skillin the art will appreciate that various ways to represent the benchmarkmay be available. The determine benchmark may be illustrated as a valueor values as in the exemplary reports at Appendices A-C, F-K and/or as acurve as in FIGS. 3A-4 and in the exemplary reports at Appendices A,G-K.

Of note, “bm” or “BM” in Appendices G-K, for example, stand forbenchmark. In Appendices G-K, the forward curves (sometimes indicated tobe the forward blue curves) illustrate actual energy consumption by thefacility. The rear curves (sometimes indicated to be the rear magentacurves) illustrate the benchmark. On the other hand, in Appendix K, theforward curves at the top left hand corners of each page illustrate thebenchmark Mcf curve, and the rear curves illustrate the actual Mcfconsumed. In Appendix A, the curves from front to rear are Off Peak kWh,24 Hour kWh, Peak kWh, and kWh Benchmark Per Hour Per DegF.

Returning to FIG. 1, the customers 45 may be able to login to thewebsite 10 or a webpage of website 10 to see the determined benchmark(e.g., as a value, values, or in the form of a curve), to see energyconsumption (e.g., actual energy consumption data or actual averageenergy consumption data) based on the comparative data (e.g., as avalue, values, or in the form of a curve), to see comparative data, tosee outdoor temperature data, to see energy consumption in comparison tothe determined benchmark, etc. Alternatively, an energy consultant orcustomer energy reporting consultant 40 may interact with the website 10and provide the customer with this information. Both of thesealternatives are illustrated. Exemplary reports are provided inAppendices G-K to illustrate the determined benchmark and energyconsumption compared to the determined benchmark, as well as othercomparative data. Furthermore, PDA's, laptops, etc. 50 may be utilized(e.g., by the customers or the energy consultant) to interact with thewebsite 10. In particular, the website 10 may include at least oneinterface for interaction with it.

The website 10 may also receive and/or provide information associatedwith employee time management 55, and this information may be providedto accounting and/or the the website sponsor 60. The employees 65 of thesponsor may also interact with the website 10, with the employees (e.g.,at the sponsor's office) interacting with MS InfoPath (or similarsoftware) 70 and energy project software 75. The energy project software75 may be server based project management software such as MS project.Energy project 80 to be managed by the software 75 may include peak loadscheduling programming, fan strategies, equipment upgrades (e.g.,mechanical equipment upgrades), etc. The software 75 may keep track ofpending tasks, an open issues list of issues to be addressed, scheduling(e.g., preventive maintenance scheduling and/or management), etc. Thesoftware 75 may also be utilized to track construction projects 85 suchas construction of a new building (or addition), review of the buildingplans, the engineer plans for the new building, etc.

Information regarding the construction projects 85, for example, may bereceived from via PDA's, laptops, etc. 90 from a contractor and/orengineers 95. In particular, the contractor/engineers 95 may want toprovide information regarding items 100 including project designrequirements, open issues management, equipment management, etc. Theitems 100 may require input from the building owners 105.

Returning to the employees 65, the employees 65 may also interact with adocument management server such as SharePoint 110. For example,SharePoint 110 may be utilized to exchange drafts and comments amongstthe employees 65 as well as others properly authorized, and may includeinformation about construction projects 85 as well as preventativemaintenance documents 115 such as documentation on equipment to bemaintained, the equipment in general, and a maintenance plan. SharePoint110 may also contain energy committee documents 120. In particular, eachcustomer may have at least one representative to work with the sponsoron energy related issues, and may also have access to SharePoint 110. Ofnote, employees 65 may also be the energy consultant 40, but need notbe.

FIG. 2 illustrates a more detailed client-server based computer systemor environment 210 consistent with the principles of the presentinvention. In particular, the client-server computer system 210 mayinclude at least one client computer 212 (e.g., with a web browser orother client such as utility companies 25 from FIG. 1, the PDA's,laptops, etc. 50 from FIG. 1, etc.) and at least one server computer 214(e.g., with a web server or other server such as the website 10 fromFIG. 1, which may be Pathian.com). For instance, the home page of theweb site 10 of FIG. 1 and other web pages may be at the server computer214. System 210 includes at least one apparatus, e.g., one or moreclient computers 212 and one or more server computers 214. Each computer212, 214 may represent practically any type of computer, computer systemor other programmable electronic device capable of functioning as aclient and/or server in a client-server environment. For example, inspecific embodiments, computer 212, 214 may be a computer, computersystem, computing device, disk array, or programmable device such as amulti-user computer, a single-user computer, a multi-user computer suchas a server computer, a midrange computer, a mainframe, a handhelddevice, a networked device (including a computer in a clusterconfiguration), a mobile phone, a video game console (or other gamingsystem), etc. Moreover, each computer 212, 214 may be implemented usingone or more networked computers, e.g., in a cluster or other distributedcomputing system. Moreover, as is common in many client-server systems,typically multiple client computers 212 will be interfaced with a givenserver computer 214.

Computer 212 typically includes a central processing unit (CPU) 216including at least one microprocessor coupled to a memory 218, which mayrepresent the random access memory (RAM) devices comprising the mainstorage of computer 212, as well as any supplemental levels of memory,e.g., cache memories, non-volatile or backup memories (e.g.,programmable or flash memories), read-only memories, etc. Each CPU 216is typically implemented in hardware using circuit logic disposed on oneor more physical integrated circuit devices, or chips. Each CPU 216 maybe one or more microprocessors, micro-controllers, field programmablegate arrays, or ASICs, while memory 218 may include random access memory(RAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access memory(SRAM), flash memory, and/or another digital storage medium, typicallyimplemented using circuit logic disposed on one or more physicalintegrated circuit devices, or chips. As such, memory 218 may beconsidered to include memory storage physically located elsewhere incomputer 212, e.g., any cache memory in a processor in CPU 216, as wellas any storage capacity used as a virtual memory, e.g., as stored on amass storage device 220 or on another computer coupled to computer 212.Thus, the computer 212 may include at least one hardware-basedprocessor. Computer 212 also typically receives a number of inputs andoutputs for communicating information externally. For interface with auser or operator, computer 212 typically includes a user interface 222incorporating one or more user input devices (e.g., a keyboard, a mouse,a trackball, a joystick, a touchpad, and/or a microphone, among others)and a display (e.g., a CRT monitor, an LCD display panel, and/or aspeaker, among others). Otherwise, user input may be received viaanother computer or terminal.

For additional storage, computer 212 may also include one or more massstorage devices 220, e.g., a floppy or other removable disk drive, ahard disk drive, a direct access storage device (DASD), an optical drive(e.g., a CD drive, a DVD drive, etc.), and/or a tape drive, amongothers. Furthermore, computer 212 may include an interface 224 with oneor more networks (e.g., a LAN, a WAN, a wireless network, and/or theInternet, among others) to permit the communication of information withother computers and electronic devices. It should be appreciated thatcomputer 212 typically includes suitable analog and/or digitalinterfaces between CPU 216 and each of components 218, 220, 222 and 224as is well known in the art.

In a similar manner to computer 212, computer 214 includes a CPU 226,memory 228, mass storage 230 that may include a database 231 (e.g., thedatabase 35 from FIG. 1), user interface 232, and network interface 234.Like CPU 216, CPU 226 may include at least one hardware-based processor.For instance, each CPU 226 is typically implemented in hardware usingcircuit logic disposed on one or more physical integrated circuitdevices, or chips. Each CPU 226 may be one or more microprocessors,micro-controllers, field programmable gate arrays, or ASICs, whilememory 228 may include random access memory (RAM), dynamic random accessmemory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), flash memory, and/oranother digital storage medium, typically implemented using circuitlogic disposed on one or more physical integrated circuit devices, orchips. Thus, the server computer 214 may include at least onehardware-based processor. In general, the discussion hereinabove forclient computer 212 is applicable to the discussion of server computer214. However, given the nature of computer 212 as a client and computer214 as a server, in many instances computer 214 will be implementedusing a multi-user computer such as a server computer, a midrangecomputer, a mainframe, etc., while computer 212 will be implementedusing a desktop or other single-user computer or device. As a result,the specifications of the CPU's, memories, mass storage, user interfacesand network interfaces will typically vary between computers 212 and214. Other hardware environments are contemplated within the context ofthe invention.

Computers 212, 214 are generally interfaced with one another via anetwork 236, which may be public and/or private, wired and/or wireless,local and/or wide-area, etc. Moreover, network 236 may representmultiple, interconnected networks. In the illustrated embodiment, forexample, network 236 may include the Internet.

Each computer 212, 214 operates under the control of an operating system238, 240, and executes or otherwise relies upon various computersoftware applications, components, programs, objects, modules, datastructures, etc. (e.g. client 242 such as a web browser and server 244such as a web server). Moreover, various applications, components,programs, objects, modules, etc. may also execute on one or moreprocessors in another computer coupled to computer 212, 214 via anetwork, e.g., in a distributed or client-server computing environment,whereby the processing required to implement the functions of a computerprogram may be allocated to multiple computers over a network.

In general, the routines executed to implement the embodiments of theinvention, whether implemented as part of an operating system or aspecific application, component, program, object, module or sequence ofinstructions, or even a subset thereof, will be referred to herein as“computer program code,” or simply “program code.” Program codetypically comprises one or more instructions that are resident atvarious times in various memory and storage devices in a computer, andthat, when read and executed by one or more processors in a computer,cause that computer to perform the steps necessary to execute steps orelements embodying the various aspects of the invention. Moreover, whilethe invention has and hereinafter will be described in the context offully functioning computers and computer systems, those skilled in theart will appreciate that the various embodiments of the invention arecapable of being distributed as a program product in a variety of forms,and that the invention applies equally regardless of the particular typeof computer readable signal bearing media used to actually carry out thedistribution. Examples of computer readable signal bearing media includebut are not limited to recordable type media such as volatile andnonvolatile memory devices, floppy and other removable disks, hard diskdrives, optical disks (e.g., CD-ROM's, DVD's, etc.), among others, andtransmission type media such as digital and analog communication links.

In addition, various program code described hereinafter may beidentified based upon the application within which it is implemented ina specific embodiment of the invention. However, it should beappreciated that any particular program nomenclature that is used hereinis merely for convenience, and thus the invention should not be limitedto use solely in any specific application identified and/or implied bysuch nomenclature. Furthermore, given the typically endless number ofmanners in which computer programs may be organized into routines,procedures, methods, modules, objects, and the like, as well as thevarious manners in which program functionality may be allocated amongvarious software layers that are resident within a typical computer(e.g., operating systems, libraries, API's, applications, applets,etc.), it should be appreciated that the invention is not limited to thespecific organization and allocation of program functionality describedherein.

Thus, those skilled in the art will recognize that the exemplaryenvironments illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 are not intended to limit thepresent invention. Indeed, those skilled in the art will recognize thatother alternative hardware and/or software environments may be usedwithout departing from the scope of the invention.

In the context of the embodiments discussed herein, the server computer214 associated with the website 10 (FIG. 1), under control of the CPU226, may determine a benchmark for an energy system based upon receivedcomparative data such as outdoor temperature data and energy consumptiondata for the system. Under control of the CPU 226, the server computer214 may receive data and/or report data (e.g., energy usage, thedetermined benchmark, etc.) through network interface 234 and/or theuser interface 232, and the received data may be stored by the servercomputer 214 in the database 231. The server computer 214, under controlof the CPU 226, may also determine the benchmark, and the determinedbenchmark may then be utilized in a variety of ways. In particular, thedetermined benchmark may be utilized to determine the impact ofimplementation of at least one change in the operation of the energysystem, compare additional comparative data received subsequent to thedetermined benchmark to identify at least one deviation in energyconsumption, utilized to contract for at least one term in an agreement,and/or verify satisfaction of a term in an agreement.

For example, the server computer 214, under control of the CPU 226, mayreceive additional comparative data such as outdoor temperature data andenergy consumption data for the energy system subsequent toimplementation of at least one change to the system (e.g., intentionalchange), and compare the additional comparative data such as the outdoortemperature data and energy consumption data received subsequent to theimplemented change to the determined benchmark. Furthermore, the servercomputer 214 may determine whether the implemented change lowered energyconsumption by the system based on the comparison, and if not, mayinitiate reversal of the implemented change (e.g., if the intentionallyimplemented change involved switching settings, initiating reversal ofthe implemented change may include automatic reversion to the settingsthat were in place before the switch, among others), and report theoutcome of the comparison (e.g., automatically sending an emailnotification to the designated personnel via the network interface 234).Yet, changes that lowered energy consumption may be maintained (e.g.,automatically make a temporary change permanent).

The server computer 214, under control of the CPU 226, may receiveadditional comparative data such as outdoor temperature data and energyconsumption data for the energy system subsequent to determining thebenchmark, and compare the additional comparative data such as theoutdoor temperature data and energy consumption data received toidentify at least one deviation in energy consumption (e.g.,unintentional change to the energy system). As such, the server computer214, under control of the CPU 226, may identify a deviation of energyconsumption by the system that is above the determined benchmark orbelow the determined benchmark at an outdoor temperature that correlatesto a similar outdoor temperature. The server computer 214, under controlof the CPU 226, may also determine what occurred during the identifieddeviation to impact energy consumption, for example, by analyzing timecorrelation data such as date and/or time that associated with theidentified deviation. The occurrence may be reported (e.g.,automatically sending an email notification to the appropriate personnelvia the network interface 234) and reversal of the occurrence may beinitiated for detrimental deviations. Initiating reversal of theoccurrence may include automatically identifying equipment that was onbefore the deviation but that was off after the deviation, automaticallydetermining whether that equipment was scheduled to be turned off, andif not scheduled to be turned off, automatically turning that equipmentback on, or automatically identifying maintenance in the building atabout the time of the occurrence and automatically notification to thedesignated personnel of the same to inspect the maintenance area, amongothers. The server computer 214, under control of the CPU 226, mayutilize the determined benchmark to contract for at least one term in anagreement, including enhancement, maintenance, replacement, or energysavings to the energy system. For example, the benchmark may indicatethe type of efficiency required to warrant replacement or enhancement tothe energy system. Indeed, the determined benchmark may set the minimumenergy savings expected based on how the energy system has historicallyperformed per the benchmark, or may set the minimum efficiency expectedafter maintenance to ensure that the maintenance did not negativelyimpact the energy system. Furthermore, the server computer 214 mayutilize the determined benchmark to contract for at least one discountfrom an energy provider (e.g., provide benchmark and numbers fornegotiations), and may include identifying a deviation of energyconsumption by the system that is below the determined benchmark,reporting the deviation to the energy provider (e.g., automaticallysending an email notification to the appropriate personnel via thenetwork interface 234), and receiving a discount in response to thedeviation (e.g., automatically confirming the presence of a discount ona bill from the energy provider).

The server computer 214, under control of the CPU 226, may verifysatisfaction of a term in an agreement. In particular, the servercomputer 214 may receive additional comparative data such as outdoortemperature data and energy consumption data for the energy systemsubsequent to the agreement, compare the additional comparative datasuch as the outdoor temperature data and energy consumption data to thedetermined benchmark, and determine whether the term has been satisfied.For example, if the agreement has an energy savings term that requires7% in energy savings for the year 2009, the server computer 214 maycompare the actual energy consumption for 2009 with the determinedbenchmark (e.g., based on comparative data for the year 2005) andillustrate that the percentage in energy savings was 10%, whichsatisfies the term in the agreement, and may report the outcome. Assuch, energy consultants may be able to prove that they satisfied theterm or terms of an agreement.

Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate, as already discussedhereinabove, that additional comparative data may need to be gatheredsubsequent to an event (e.g., implemented change, agreement, thedetermined benchmark), received and processed by the server computer214, under control of the CPU 226. The additional comparative data maythen be utilized by comparing this data to the determined benchmark,which sets a baseline and expectations as to how the system will operatein the absence of any implemented changes, deviations, and/oragreements. Thus, for example, the server computer 214 (website 10 inFIG. 1) may be continuously receiving comparative data to initiallydetermine the benchmark, and even data to refine the determinedbenchmark, and once the benchmark is determined, the server computer 214may continue to receive and process comparative data to determine theimpact of implemented changes, identify deviations, verify performanceof terms, as well as other uses for the determined benchmark, etc.

The subsequently received comparative data may be processed in the samemanner as the benchmark, such as adding and averaging of the energyconsumption per outdoor temperature, and comparing these values (orvalue or curve) to the benchmark in equivalent form. For example,comparative data from year “a” may be utilized to determine thebenchmark in the form of a curve, a single value for the whole year “a”,or multiple values per outdoor temperature of year “a.” Next, subsequentcomparative data may be received and processed in the manner that thebenchmark was determined for year “b.” The benchmark may be compared tothe results of the comparative data for year “b” and even normalized ifthe square footage changed, for example. Next, subsequent comparativedata may be received and processed in the manner that the benchmark wasdetermined for year “c.” The benchmark may be compared to the results ofthe comparative data for year “c” and even normalized if the squarefootage changed, and so on. The form that may work the best may dependupon how the benchmark will be utilized, for example, multiple valuesmay preferable to identify deviations whereas verification of a term inan agreement, such as 7% year over year, may be accomplished with thesingle value. Likewise, the benchmark may be compared to an average orto exact energy consumption from subsequently received comparative dataper outdoor temperature. Those of ordinary skill in the art willappreciate that various modifications may be possible, and may depend onthe utilization of the determined benchmark, the amount of data, amongother factors. Turning to FIGS. 3A and 3B, which illustrate graphicalrepresentations of the benchmark for electricity that may be determinedand utilized consistent with the principles of the present invention.Specifically, graphical representation 305 illustrates some of thecomparative data utilized to determine the benchmark, including energyconsumption 310 in kilowatts from 0.0 to 4.0 on the left of the graphover outdoor temperature 315 from zero to 125 degrees Fahrenheit on thebottom. Line 320 is at 65 degrees Fahrenheit, which is typically thepoint where heating and cooling demands are low. Data points 325illustrate a variety of data points that may received for an energysystem in fifteen minute intervals, where each data point may indicatethe energy consumption by the values on the left and the correspondingoutdoor temperature with the values on the bottom, forming a scatterpattern. Of note, when the outdoor temperature is low, such as 5 degreesFahrenheit, energy consumption is high to reflect the higher demand forheat. Likewise, when the outdoor temperature is high, such as at 120degrees Fahrenheit, energy consumption is also high to reflect thehigher demand for cooling. Thus, graphically, the data points 325 mayform a u-shape. The more data points 325, the more accurate thebenchmark, for example, to reduce the impact of data points that areoutliers. The data points 325 may have been received for the fall,winter, spring, and summer seasons or other time period that the energysystem was active.

As noted hereinabove, the benchmark is not just of the HVAC system butmay be of the entire facility (e.g., entire energy system), as the datatypically comes off the main meter and includes lights, computers, etc.,not just from the HVAC system. Thus, the energy reduction actions takenin other area, such as installation of Energystar computer monitors, maybe identified in the benchmark. Also, changes in use habits, such astrying to change the way the lights are used, may be implemented andevaluated with the benchmark. The graphical representation 405 of FIG.3B illustrates the benchmark 410 that may be determined for the datapoints 325. The benchmark 410 may include an upper bound 415, a medianbound or average bound 420, and a lower bound 425. Data points above theupper bound 415 may be considered above the benchmark 410 and datapoints below the lower bound 425 may be considered below the benchmark410. Thus, those of ordinary skill in the art may appreciate that forany outdoor temperature, then, the determined benchmark 410 may providea range of where energy consumption should be at or expectation of whereenergy should be at for this energy system, and data points below thebenchmark 410 may be beneficial and reflect lower energy consumption, animplemented change that should be maintained, a cost savings, energysavings, may lead to a discount from the energy provider, etc. On theother hand, data points above the benchmark 410 may be detrimental andreflect that a change that should be reversed, an unexpected deviationshould be identified and reversed, higher energy consumption, highercosts, etc. As indicated herein, the determined benchmark may berepresented in curve form or as a value or values. Thus, the curve formmay simply represent these values (and vice versa with the valuesrepresented in curve form). Likewise, the average bound 420 mayrepresent the values (and vice versa).Statistical analysis (e.g.,averages) may be utilized to determine the benchmark 410. For example,the statistical analysis may include determining the average energyconsumption for each outdoor temperature, and those averages may beillustrated as average bound 420. As explained hereinabove, thebenchmark may be determined by adding up the received energy consumptiondata per outdoor temperature during the period of time, averaging thesums per outdoor temperature during the period, and normalizing theaverages, if necessary, for example, by utilizing square footage.

Of note, while the benchmark 410 is illustrated with upper bound 415 andlower bound 425, for example, in some embodiments, the benchmark 410 mayonly have the average bound 420, with data points determined to be aboveor below the average bound 420. Further, other values may be utilized ina graphical representation, for example, the outdoor temperature 315 mayinclude values below zero and/or above 125 degrees Fahrenheit, and theenergy consumption 310 may include values higher than 4.0 kilowatts.Other variations are also within the scope of the principles of thepresent invention.

Turning to FIG. 4, this figure illustrates a graphical representation ofthe benchmark for natural gas that may be determined and utilizedconsistent with the principles of the present invention. Specifically,graphical representation 450 illustrates some of the comparative datautilized to determine the benchmark, including energy consumption 455 inMcf from 0 to 40 on the left of the graph over outdoor temperature 460from zero to 125 degrees Fahrenheit on the bottom. Line 465 is at 65degrees Fahrenheit, which is typically the point where heating andcooling demands are low. Data points 470 illustrate a variety of datapoints that may be received for an energy system, where each data pointmay indicate the energy consumption by the values on the left and thecorresponding outdoor temperature with the values on the bottom, forminga scatter pattern. As discussed in connection with FIG. 3B, an upperbound, average bound, and/or lower bound may similarly be illustratedand utilized. Turning next to FIG. 5, this figure illustrates anexemplary benchmark determination routine 500 consistent with theprinciples of the present invention. Specifically, for each existingenergy system (block 505), the steps of routine 500 after block 505 maybe performed. Indeed, as energy systems may be configured differently,with some being older than others, it may be beneficial to determine abenchmark for each energy system. If there are multiple buildings, forexample, a customer has six buildings and each building has anindependent energy system, then it may be beneficial to determine abenchmark for each of the six energy systems (i.e., determine sixbenchmarks). Further, if one of these energy systems is later replaced,the benchmark should be started again after the replacement. Next,control may pass to block 510 to receive energy consumption data,outdoor temperature data, and any other comparative data. For example,other comparative data may be those discussed hereinabove, and mayincludes data that may be utilized for time correlation such as thecorresponding time and/or date for the energy consumption data and/orthe corresponding time and/or date for the outdoor temperature data, attimestamp, just the year, etc. Other comparative data may also includeluminosity data such as sunlight load data, for example, the length oftime that the sun is out may also affect energy consumption. As such, adevice that measures luminosity or outdoor light may be utilized, aswell as any luminosity data that may be received.

Block 515 determines whether data has been received for the entireperiod of time to be benchmarked (e.g., all the seasons that the energysystem encounters in a year). Of note, a different period may beutilized. For example, three years or two years or one year of data maybe utilized to determine the benchmark. If not, control may pass toblock 510 to continue to receive the data. Block 515 may be optional.

If data has been received for the entire period, control may pass toblock 520 to determine a benchmark from the received data. Once thebenchmark is determined, it may be indicative of energy consumption thatis expected by the energy system at different outdoor temperatures. Forexample, if the determined benchmark includes data for an outdoortemperature of 89 degrees Fahrenheit, then when the outdoor temperatureis again similar to 89 degrees Fahrenheit, such as 89 or 89.4 or 90 or91 degrees Fahrenheit, the determined benchmark may indicate the energyconsumption that is expected by the energy system and utilized toidentify deviations from that expectation, for instance. In someembodiments, assuming 89 degrees Fahrenheit is not in the benchmark, thebenchmark for 88 or 90 degrees Fahrenheit, for example, may be utilizedto indicate the expected energy consumption at 89 degrees Fahrenheit or89.4 degrees Fahrenheit. As discussed hereinabove, the benchmark may bedetermined using statistical analysis and may be graphically illustratedor presented as a value or values. As explained hereinabove, thebenchmark may be determined by adding up the received energy consumptiondata per outdoor temperature during the period of time, averaging thesums per outdoor temperature during the period, and normalizing theaverages, if necessary. The determined benchmark may be reported atblock 525 and utilized in a variety of ways (as will be discussedfurther in connection with FIGS. 6-7B), such as to lower energyconsumption (block 530). Block 535, which is optional, may continue toreceive energy consumption data, outdoor temperature data, and any othercomparative data to improve the accuracy of the determined benchmark.For example, the benchmark may be determined for the winter season, andreported, but block 535 may continue to collect data for the springseason to improve upon the determined benchmark via additionalstatistical analysis, as the more data, the more accurate the benchmarkmay be for the energy system. Next, control may pass to blocks 525, 530,and 535 as appropriate (e.g., ending when additional data would nolonger be statistically significant).

Turning to FIG. 6, this figure illustrates an exemplary change impactroutine 605 consistent with the principles of the present invention. Inparticular, this routine illustrates how the determined benchmark may beutilized to determine the impact of an implemented change (e.g.,intentional change) to verify if the implemented change was beneficialor detrimental. In particular, this routine may be utilized after theenergy consumption by the energy system has been analyzed by an energyconsultant (e.g., based on the determined benchmark), and as the energyconsultant implements different changes (typically intentional changes)in order to try to lower energy consumption by the energy system. Block610 implements at least one change to the existing energy system tolower energy consumption. For example, the change that is implementedmay be associated with blower motor speeds, fan speeds, fan strategies,cycling times of an air conditioner (AC) and/or boiler, bringing the ACand/or boiler online or not during certain temperatures, filters,opening and/or closing of dampers and/or returns (e.g., automatically ormanually), sun shade schedules, ceiling fans, attic fan, air pressure,peak strategies (e.g., shutting down the energy system an hour beforeand/or after peak), changes in use strategies (e.g., how lights areutilized, etc.), insulation, water temperature or hot water heaters,equipment (e.g., mechanical equipment), etc. Those of ordinary skill inthe art will appreciate that other changes may also be implemented.

Of note, some changes are implemented manually, for example, by anenergy consultant, while others may be implemented automatically. Forchanges that are implemented manually, block 610 may involve receivingan indication that a change has been manually implemented so as to beable to delineate comparative data prior to the implemented change fromcomparative data subsequent to the implemented change, and determinewhether the implemented change truly lowered energy consumption. In someembodiments, block 610 may even be omitted when the change isimplemented manually. Next, block 615 receives energy consumption data,outdoor temperature data, and any other comparative data subsequent tothe implemented change, and block 620 compares the received data to thedetermined benchmark. How much comparative data should be receivedsubsequent to an implemented change may depend upon what the data isshowing. For example, a very small amount of data when compared to thedetermined benchmark may quickly indicate a detrimental change thatincreased energy consumption instead of lowering it. In someembodiments, one or more thresholds may be utilized such that when athreshold amount of comparative data is received subsequent to thechange, the comparison of block 620 takes place, or the comparison mayoccur at a predetermined interval such as every seven days so as toquickly identify detrimental changes. The comparative data may beprocess in a manner similar to determining a benchmark. For example, ifthe determined benchmark is in the form of values based on energyconsumption data per outdoor temperature (e.g., summing and averagingthe energy consumption per outdoor temperature), then the same proceduremay be performed on the subsequently received comparative data (i.e.,summing and averaging the energy consumption per outdoor temperature),and once in the same form, the comparative data received subsequent tothe benchmark may be compared to the determined benchmark. Similar, ifthe benchmark is in curve form or as a single value, the comparativedata received subsequent to the benchmark mark may be processed in thesame manner and compared. Indeed, the subsequently received comparativedata may be averaged as in determining the benchmark, but need not beaverage. The exemplary report in Appendix G is illustrative.

Next, block 625 determines whether the implemented change lowered energyconsumption based on the comparison. For example, did the data receivedsubsequent to the implemented change create data points below thebenchmark. Next, control may pass to block 630 to inquire if energyconsumption lowered, if it did, the implemented change may be maintainedat block 635 (e.g., an automatic reversal may be automatically cancelledbased on the comparison), the outcome of the inquiry may be reported atblock 640, and control may pass to block 610 to implement anotherchange. If energy consumption did not lower, control may pass from block630 to block 645 to initiate reversal of the implemented change (e.g.,if the intentionally implemented change involved switching settings,initiating reversal of the implemented change may include automaticreversion to the settings that were in place before the switch, amongothers), the outcome of the inquiry may be reported at block 650 (e.g.,by email), and control may pass to block 610 to implement anotherchange. As such, the determined benchmark may be utilized to determinethe impact of the implemented changes to the energy system.Alternatively, the outcomes in blocks 640 and 650 may be reported priorto blocks 635 and 645, respectively.

Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that changes may beimplemented one at a time or multiple changes may be implemented withina short timeframe. As such, routine 605 may be modified to accommodateboth scenarios. For example, it may be more efficient to wait until allthe changes are implemented to determine whether the implemented changeslowered energy consumption, but in the meanwhile, subsequent comparativedata may be received as soon as each change is implemented.

Appendices B-C illustrate exemplary reports that may indicate that theimplemented change(s) (not shown) lowered energy consumption. Forexample, information such as that contained in Appendix E may helpidentify which change or changes to implement. In this example,implementation of changes such as shutting down the energy system beforeand/or after peak time (i.e., peak time is approximately 11:00 AM-1:00PM), instead of changes when the outdoor temperature is hotter as hottertemperatures often indicate higher energy usage, may be predicted to bemore beneficial and were implemented. The last column of Appendix B,titled % of Change, indicates that changes were implemented, and theseare reflected in the comparative data received subsequent to theimplemented changes when compared to the determined benchmark for peakenergy usage. Indeed, the report shows energy savings, for example,going from 2.65% in 2006 to 8.83% in 2007 and 17.01% in 2008. The lastcolumn of Appendix C, also titled % ofChange, indicates that changeswere implemented, reflected in the comparative data received subsequentto the implemented changes when compared to the determined benchmark foroff peak energy usage, and reported. This report shows energy savings aswell, going from 2.83% in 2006 to 8.36% in 2007 and 17.17% in 2008. Thesecond to last column, titled kWh Difference, and the KWh EnergyReduction For All Years** row, and the KWh Energy Reduction % For AllYears row further report the lower energy consumption. Appendix A isalso an exemplary report that illustrates lowered energy consumption,both in value form and in curve form.

The determined benchmark may also be utilized to identify at about whena change or changes should be implemented, in some embodiments. Forexample, the negative values in the last column of Appendix G, titled %of Change, correspond to outdoor temperatures (OSA temp column) thatincrease energy consumption when compared to the benchmark in the kWhBenchmark column. At 6 degrees Fahrenheit in 2004, for instance, energyconsumption increased by 11.17% (i.e., −11.17%) when compared to thedetermined benchmark and this very negative number may indicate that achange should be implemented when the outdoor temperature will besimilar to 6 degrees Fahrenheit to reduce energy consumption (e.g., fromweather forecast data that may be received and processed by the systemof FIG. 1 or 2 such as the server computer 214, under control of the CPU226). Thus, the determined benchmark may be utilized to identify atabout when a change should be implemented to the energy system.

Moreover, the change to be implemented may simply be to increase theheat in the facility (or prevent settings that would lower or shut downthe heat) to compensate for the 6 degrees Fahrenheit, as the last columnof Appendix G illustrates that although energy consumption was higherthan the benchmark when the outdoor temperatures were 7-10 degreesFahrenheit, none of % of Change for 7-10 degrees Fahrenheit was asdramatic as that at 6 degrees Fahrenheit (i.e., the energy consumptionat 7-10 degrees was not as high as the energy consumption at 6 degreesFahrenheit). Other changes such as this may be consistently implementedusing a list of triggers (e.g., in a database such as the database 231)so that an encountered triggering event identifies which change fromamong a plurality of changes should be implemented automatically ormanually (e.g., by automatically notifying designated personnel tomanually implement the identified change). Thus, the determinedbenchmark may also be utilized to identify which change should beimplemented to the energy system.

These utilizations of the determined benchmark may be part of block 610of routine 605, which may be executed by the system of FIG. 1 or 2 suchas by the server computer 214, under control of the CPU 226, and mayinclude automatic determination of what change should be implementedand/or automatic determination of about when to implement a change.Although identification of when a change should be implemented and/orwhich change should be implemented may work in conjunction withdetermining the impact of the implemented change, in some embodiments,these may be three separate uses of the benchmark. Turning to FIG. 7A,this figure illustrates an exemplary benchmark utilization routine 705consistent with the principles of the present invention. In particular,this routine illustrates other uses for the determined benchmark, andmay be separated into three exemplary independent routines in someembodiments. Specifically, block 710 utilizes the determined benchmarkto contract for an enhancement (e.g., enhancement of the whole energysystem or a portion of the energy system), maintenance (e.g.,maintenance of the whole energy system or a portion of the energysystem), replacement (e.g., replacement of the whole energy system or aportion of the energy system), energy savings, and/or other term to theexisting energy system, as well as setting the term in the agreement.

For example, in the context of utilizing the determined benchmark, thebenchmark may provide requirements such as minimum energy savings thatmust be met by any enhancement or any replacement to the energy system.As another example, the benchmark may indicate the type of efficiencyrequired to warrant replacement or enhancement to the energy system. Thedetermined benchmark may also set the minimum energy savings expected tobe accomplished (e.g., by an energy consultant) based on how the energysystem has historically performed per the benchmark, or may set theminimum efficiency expected after maintenance to ensure that themaintenance did not negatively impact the energy system. In particular,these terms may be considered implemented changes once they areimplemented and routine 605 in FIG. 6 may be utilized, but need not be,to determine their impact on the energy system.

Block 710 may determine, for example, numeric terms to an agreement,including an exact term or a range of terms (e.g., range of percentages)consistent with the determined benchmark (and other historical data suchas historical energy savings based on the determined benchmark) tocontract for in the agreement. The chosen term, for example, may beautomatically placed into the agreement.

Next, block 715 may report an enhancement, maintenance, replacement,energy savings, and/or other term to the existing energy system (e.g.,via email to the appropriate personnel). A check that the contracted forterm of the agreement has been satisfied may be performed (e.g.,enhancement and/or replacement meets the requirements prescribed by thedetermined benchmark as set out in the agreement) (discussed further inconnection with FIG. 7B). Nonetheless, the contracting for terms may bebased upon benchmark-verified performance of the energy system.

Appendices B-C include exemplary reports that may illustrate how thedetermined benchmark may be utilized to contract for at least one termin an agreement. The last column of Appendix B, titled % of Change,indicates that efficiency had improved by about 2% in each of 2004,2005, and 2006 based upon the information in the corresponding rows,with the 2% figure determined by comparing comparative data subsequentto the determined benchmark to the determined benchmark (as describedhereinabove in connection with FIG. 6). Thus, the determined benchmarkmay be utilized to contract for an energy savings term of at least 2% inan agreement, instead of, for example, 30%, as use of the benchmarkindicates that 2% is more realistic with this energy system. And, towarrant replacement and/or enhancement, the determined benchmark may beutilized to contract for at least a 5% energy savings term to justifythe expense. Similarly, when it comes to maintenance, the determinedbenchmark may be utilized to contract for maintenance that will not ruinthe energy savings achieved thus far, for example. Those of ordinaryskill in the art will appreciate that more realistic terms may becontracted for in agreements, which may benefit the customer and/or theenergy consultant, and may help these entity set measurable standards.The last column of Appendix C, also titled % of Change, may similarlyillustrate utilization of the determined benchmark to contract for atleast one term in an agreement.

Turning to block 720, block 720 may utilize the determined benchmark tocontract for discounts from an energy provider such as the utilitycompanies 25 (FIG. 1). For example, block 725 may provide energyprovider with the determined benchmark so that the energy provider willbe able to gage the typical energy consumption by the energy system.Next, block 730 contracts for a discount if energy consumption ismaintained below the determined benchmark or any other arrangement thatthe energy provider wants to enter into with the customer running theenergy system. Of note, in some situations contracting for a discountfrom the energy provider may not be possible. For example, some energyproviders have a regulated price structure, for example, based oncharging for peak load, and as a result, may not be able to contract fordiscounts.

At block 735, subsequent to the effective date of the agreement, adeviation of energy consumption below the determined benchmark may beidentified (discussed further in connection with blocks 746-765hereinbelow). In particular, the deviation may be set as part of theagreement between the parties. It may be a specific number or percentagedeviation. The deviation may be reported to the energy provider, forexample, electronically, and may include any confirmation required bythe energy provider under the contract terms. The discount may bereceived at block 745, and may include confirmation of the discount onthe next bill from the energy provider. As an alternative to a discount,the customer running the energy system and the energy provider maycontract for other rewards or terms, also computed using deviation fromthe benchmark, or may alter the pricing model. Indeed, the energyprovider may reward the customer if peak energy consumption is belowwhere it typically should be according to the determined benchmark.Nonetheless, the energy provider and the customer may benefit fromcurtailment of energy consumption.

Turning to block 746, block 746 may utilize the determined benchmark toidentify deviations from the determined benchmark. The deviations inenergy consumption may be below or above the determined benchmark at atemperature that correlates to a similar outdoor temperature (e.g., acurrent outdoor temperature subsequent to the determined benchmark).Similar outdoor temperature refers to an outdoor temperature subsequentto the determined benchmark, and it may be a subsequently similaroutdoor temperature that is encountered in real-time or it may be adelayed subsequently similar outdoor temperature that was encountered.For example, if the determined benchmark includes data for an outdoortemperature of 89 degrees Fahrenheit, then when the outdoor temperatureis subsequently similar to 89 degrees Fahrenheit, such as 89 or 89.4 or90 or 91 degrees Fahrenheit, the determined benchmark may indicate theenergy consumption that is expected by the energy system. In someembodiments, assuming 89 degrees Fahrenheit is not in the benchmark, thebenchmark for 88 or 90 degrees Fahrenheit, for example, may be utilizedto indicate the expected energy consumption at 89 or 89.4 or 90 or 91degrees Fahrenheit. And deviations may be identified based on thebenchmark when the temperature was first encountered and when asubsequently similar outdoor temperature is encountered.

Block 746 receives additional comparative data subsequent to determiningthe benchmark (e.g., the quantity of data may depend upon thresholds,etc.), and the block 747 compares the additional comparative data to thebenchmark to identify any deviations as described in connection withFIG. 6. Indeed, Block 748 determines whether any deviations have beenidentified, if so, block 750 identifies the deviation from thedetermined benchmark, which may include the date and/or time of thedeviation, by comparing the energy usage expected from the benchmark forthe outdoor temperatures to the energy consumption that was recentlyobserved for the similar outdoor temperatures to identify the deviation.For example, an unplanned, unintentional, or unexpected change may occurto the energy system, such as a painter or repairman closing or blockingvents, which may increase energy consumption above typical usage for anoutdoor temperature based upon the determined benchmark. And as thechange is unplanned or unexpected it may be difficult to determine whatoccurred to cause the deviation. However, block 750 identifies thedeviation, and block 755 may determine what occurrence at that dateand/or time likely caused the deviation. For example, computer recordsof the painters and repairmen that were on site at approximately thatdate and/or time may be retrieved and analyzed, and ultimately, thelikely cause of the deviation may be identified. Block 760 reports theoccurrence, or multiple occurrences if such is determined, and block 765may initiate reversal of the occurrence if the deviation is above thebenchmark, as a deviation below the benchmark like provides energysavings and should be maintained (see FIG. 6). Initiating reversal ofthe occurrence may include automatically identifying equipment that wason before the deviation but that was off after the deviation,determining whether that equipment was scheduled to be turned off, andif not scheduled to be turned off, turning that equipment back on, orautomatically identifying maintenance in the building at about the timeof the occurrence and automatic notification to the designated personnelof the same to inspect the maintenance area and manually perform thereversal (e.g., unblock the blocked vents). Nonetheless, a change ofenergy use relative to the benchmark prediction or expectation may beidentified, and the date and/or time may be utilized to find the causeof the change. Returning to block 748, if no deviation is identified,control may pass to block to 746 to continue to receive additionalcomparative data subsequent to determining the benchmark.

Turning to FIG. 7B, this figure illustrates another exemplary benchmarkutilization routine 770 to verify satisfaction of a term in anagreement. Specifically, block 775 receives additional comparative datasubsequent to the agreement (e.g., effective date of the agreement), andthe block 747 compares the additional comparative data to the benchmark(as in FIG. 6). Next, block 785 determines whether the term has beensatisfied, and the outcome is reported (block 790). For example, if theterm in the agreement requires energy savings of 7%, then block 785 maydetermine if the energy savings were at least 7% based on a comparisonof the additional comparative data after the agreement and thedetermined benchmark.

This routine may be executed, but need not be, in conjunction withblocks 710 and 715 in FIG. 7A where the term is set, for example, as apercentage of energy savings by the energy system. To continue theexamples in connection with blocks 710 and 715, block 785 may determinewhether an energy savings term of at least 2% in an agreement has beensatisfied, as well as whether a term of at least 5% in energy savingswas met to warrant replacement and/or enhancement. The term may bepractically any term that the determined benchmark may be utilized toverify, at least partially verify, and may be associated with a discountfrom any energy provider, an energy savings (e.g., requirement to besatisfied by an energy consultant or must be satisfied to avoid apenalty), etc. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate thatby verifying satisfaction of term or terms in an agreement, energyconsultants may be better able to explain that the energy savings oftheir services exceed the costs of their services and also be able tomeasure their accomplishments. Customers may also benefit by theverifiable and measurable results. While embodiments of the presentinvention have been illustrated by a description of the variousembodiments and the examples, and while these embodiments have beendescribed in considerable detail, it is not the intention of theapplicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appendedclaims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications willreadily appear to those skilled in the art. For example, anotheradvantage may be that the state 1 of block 825 may be better able todetermine the energy efficiencies of its schools, including whichschools in the school districts and/or which school districts are themost energy efficient, identify the changes implemented in those schoolsor deviations that lowered energy consumption (see FIGS. 6-7A),implement them in less efficient schools, and learn the impact of thosechanges in the less efficient schools, among others. Indeed, acompetition may be initiated among entities to identify the entity withthe highest energy efficiency, and a prize(s) may be awarded to thewinner. Thus, the invention in its broader aspects is therefore notlimited to the specific details, representative apparatus and method,and illustrative example shown and described. In particular, any of theblocks of the above flowcharts may be deleted (e.g., those listed asoptional in FIG. 5), augmented, made to be simultaneous with another,combined, or be otherwise altered in accordance with the principles ofthe present invention. Similarly, the routines in the flowcharts may beutilized in conjunction with other routines or separately. Further, eachof the routines, or embodiments thereof, may be distributed in one ormore program products. Accordingly, departures may be made from suchdetails without departing from the spirit or scope of applicants'general inventive concept. Other modifications will be apparent to oneof ordinary skill in the art. Therefore, the invention lies in theclaims hereinafter appended.

1. A computer implemented method of using a benchmark of energyconsumption for an energy system, the method comprising: receivingcomparative data for the energy system, wherein the received comparativedata includes outdoor temperature data for a plurality of outdoortemperatures over a period of time that the energy system is activated,and wherein the received comparative data includes energy consumptiondata for the energy system corresponding to the received outdoortemperature data; determining the benchmark based upon time correlationof the received outdoor temperature data and the received energyconsumption data for the energy system, wherein the determined benchmarkis indicative of energy consumption expected by the energy system atdifferent outdoor temperatures; and determining impact of implementationof at least one change in the operation of the energy system utilizingthe determined benchmark.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein determiningimpact of implementation of at least one change in the operation of theenergy system utilizing the determined benchmark includes receivingadditional comparative data subsequent to implementation of the at leastone change to the energy system, wherein the received additionalcomparative data includes outdoor temperature data for a plurality ofoutdoor temperatures over a period of time that the energy system isactivated, and wherein the received comparative data includes energyconsumption data for the energy system corresponding to the receivedoutdoor temperature data.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein determiningimpact of implementation of at least one change in the operation of theenergy system utilizing the determined benchmark includes comparing theadditional comparative data received subsequent to the implementedchange to the determined benchmark.
 4. The method of claim 3, whereindetermining impact of implementation of at least one change in theoperation of the energy system utilizing the determined benchmarkincludes determining whether the implemented change lowered energyconsumption by the system based on the comparison.
 5. The method ofclaim 4, wherein determining that the implemented change did not lowerenergy consumption by the energy system, further comprising initiatingreversal of the implemented change.
 6. The method of claim 4, whereindetermining that the implemented change lowered energy consumption bythe energy system, further comprising maintaining the implementedchange.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein determining impact ofimplementation of at least one change in the operation of the energysystem utilizing the determined benchmark includes identifying whichchange should be implemented to the energy system based upon thedetermined benchmark, and wherein the identified change is the change ofclaim
 1. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein determining impact ofimplementation of at least one change in the operation of the energysystem utilizing the determined benchmark includes identifying at aboutwhen the change should be implemented to the energy system based uponthe determined benchmark.
 9. A computer implemented method of using abenchmark of energy consumption for an energy system, the methodcomprising: receiving comparative data for the energy system, whereinthe received comparative data includes outdoor temperature data for aplurality of outdoor temperatures over a period of time that the energysystem is activated, and wherein the received comparative data includesenergy consumption data for the energy system corresponding to thereceived outdoor temperature data; determining the benchmark based upontime correlation of the received outdoor temperature data and thereceived energy consumption data for the energy system, wherein thedetermined benchmark is indicative of energy consumption expected by theenergy system at different outdoor temperatures; receiving additionalcomparative data subsequent to determining the benchmark; and comparingthe additional comparative data to the determined benchmark to identifyat least one deviation in energy consumption.
 10. The method of claim 9,further comprising identifying at least one deviation in energyconsumption by the energy system based on the comparison.
 11. The methodof claim 10, wherein identifying at least one deviation in energyconsumption by the energy system based on the comparison includesidentifying a deviation of energy consumption by the energy system thatis below the determined benchmark at an outdoor temperature thatcorrelates to a similar outdoor temperature, wherein the similar outdoortemperature is subsequent to the determined benchmark.
 12. The method ofclaim 10, wherein identifying at least one deviation in energyconsumption by the energy system based on the comparison includesidentifying a deviation of energy consumption by the energy system thatis above the determined benchmark at an outdoor temperature thatcorrelates to a similar outdoor temperature, wherein the similar outdoortemperature is subsequent to the determined benchmark.
 13. The method ofclaim 12, wherein the deviation in energy consumption by the energysystem is above the determined benchmark at an outdoor temperature thatcorrelates to a similar outdoor temperature, further comprisinginitiating reversal of the determined occurrence.
 14. The method ofclaim 10, further comprising determining what occurrence caused theidentified deviation in energy consumption by the energy system.
 15. Themethod of claim 14, wherein determining what occurrence caused theidentified deviation in energy consumption by the energy system includesanalyzing time correlation data associated with the identifieddeviation.
 16. A computer implemented method of using a benchmark ofenergy consumption for an energy system, the method comprising:receiving comparative data for the energy system, wherein the receivedcomparative data includes outdoor temperature data for a plurality ofoutdoor temperatures over a period of time that the energy system isactivated, and wherein the received comparative data includes energyconsumption data for the energy system corresponding to the receivedoutdoor temperature data; determining the benchmark based upon timecorrelation of the received outdoor temperature data and the receivedenergy consumption data for the energy system, wherein the determinedbenchmark is indicative of energy consumption expected by the energysystem at different outdoor temperatures; and utilizing the determinedbenchmark to contract for at least one term in an agreement.
 17. Themethod of claim 16, wherein the term in the agreement is associated withat least one of an enhancement to the energy system, a replacement tothe energy system, maintenance to the energy system, or energy savingsby the energy system.
 18. The method of claim 16, wherein utilizing thedetermined benchmark to contract for at least one term in an agreementincludes utilizing the determined benchmark to contract for at least onediscount from an energy provider.
 19. The method of claim 18, whereinutilizing the determined benchmark to contract for at least one discountfrom an energy provider includes providing the determined benchmark tothe energy provider; and contracting for a discount if energyconsumption by the energy system is maintained below the determinedbenchmark.
 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising: reporting tothe energy provider a deviation in energy consumption that loweredenergy consumption based on the determined benchmark; and receiving adiscount in response to the deviation.
 21. The method of claim 16,wherein utilizing the determined benchmark to contract for at least oneterm in an agreement includes setting the term in the agreement.
 22. Acomputer implemented method of using a benchmark of energy consumptionfor an energy system, the method comprising: receiving comparative datafor the energy system, wherein the received comparative data includesoutdoor temperature data for a plurality of outdoor temperatures over aperiod of time that the energy system is activated, and wherein thereceived comparative data includes energy consumption data for theenergy system corresponding to the received outdoor temperature data;determining the benchmark based upon time correlation of the receivedoutdoor temperature data and the received energy consumption data forthe energy system, wherein the determined benchmark is indicative ofenergy consumption expected by the energy system at different outdoortemperatures; and verifying satisfaction of a term in an agreementutilizing the determined benchmark.
 23. The method of claim 22, whereinverifying satisfaction of a term in an agreement utilizing thedetermined benchmark includes receiving additional comparative data forthe energy system subsequent to the agreement; comparing the additionalcomparative data to the determined benchmark; and determining whetherthe term of the agreement has been satisfied based upon the outcome ofthe comparison.
 24. The method of claim 22, wherein the term of theagreement is associated with at least one of an enhancement to theenergy system, a replacement to the energy system, maintenance to theenergy system, energy savings by the energy system, or a discount froman energy provider.
 25. An apparatus, comprising: at least oneprocessor; and a memory including program code, the program codeconfigured to be executed by the at least one processor to use abenchmark of energy consumption for an energy system by receivingcomparative data for the energy system, wherein the received comparativedata includes outdoor temperature data for a plurality of outdoortemperatures over a period of time that the energy system is activated,and wherein the received comparative data includes energy consumptiondata for the energy system corresponding to the received outdoortemperature data; determining the benchmark based upon time correlationof the received outdoor temperature data and the received energyconsumption data for the energy system, wherein the determined benchmarkis indicative of energy consumption expected by the energy system atdifferent outdoor temperatures; and determining impact of implementationof at least one change in the operation of the energy system utilizingthe determined benchmark.
 26. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein theprogram code is further configured to determine impact of implementationof at least one change in the operation of the energy system utilizingthe determined benchmark by receiving additional comparative datasubsequent to implementation of the at least one change to the energysystem, wherein the received additional comparative data includesoutdoor temperature data for a plurality of outdoor temperatures over aperiod of time that the energy system is activated, and wherein thereceived comparative data includes energy consumption data for theenergy system corresponding to the received outdoor temperature data.27. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the program code is furtherconfigured to determine impact of implementation of at least one changein the operation of the energy system utilizing the determined benchmarkby comparing the additional comparative data received subsequent to theimplemented change to the determined benchmark.
 28. The apparatus ofclaim 27, wherein the program code is further configured to determineimpact of implementation of at least one change in the operation of theenergy system utilizing the determined benchmark by determining whetherthe implemented change lowered energy consumption by the energy systembased on the comparison.
 29. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein theprogram code determines that the implemented change did not lower energyconsumption by the energy system, and wherein the program code isfurther configured to initiate reversal of the implemented change. 30.The apparatus of claim 28, wherein the program code determines that theimplemented change lowered energy consumption by the energy system, andwherein the program code is further configured to maintain theimplemented change.
 31. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the programcode is further configured to determine impact of implementation of atleast one change in the operation of the energy system utilizing thedetermined benchmark by identifying which change should be implementedto the energy system based upon the determined benchmark, and whereinthe identified change is the change of claim
 25. 32. The apparatus ofclaim 25, wherein the program code is further configured to determineimpact of implementation of at least one change in the operation of theenergy system utilizing the determined benchmark by identifying at aboutwhen the change should be implemented to the energy system based uponthe determined benchmark.
 33. An apparatus, comprising: at least oneprocessor; and a memory including program code, the program codeconfigured to be executed by the at least one processor to use abenchmark of energy consumption for an energy system by receivingcomparative data for the energy system, wherein the received comparativedata includes outdoor temperature data for a plurality of outdoortemperatures over a period of time that the energy system is activated,and wherein the received comparative data includes energy consumptiondata for the energy system corresponding to the received outdoortemperature data; determining the benchmark based upon time correlationof the received outdoor temperature data and the received energyconsumption data for the energy system, wherein the determined benchmarkis indicative of energy consumption expected by the energy system atdifferent outdoor temperatures; receiving additional comparative datasubsequent to determining the benchmark; and comparing the additionalcomparative data to the determined benchmark to identify at least onedeviation in energy consumption.
 34. The apparatus of claim 33, whereinthe program code is further configured to identify at least onedeviation in energy consumption by the system based on the comparison.35. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein the program code is furtherconfigured to identify at least one deviation in energy consumption bythe energy system based on the comparison by identifying a deviation ofenergy consumption by the energy system that is below the determinedbenchmark at an outdoor temperature that correlates to a similar outdoortemperature, wherein the similar outdoor temperature is subsequent tothe determined benchmark.
 36. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein theprogram code is further configured to identify at least one deviation inenergy consumption by the energy system based on the comparison byidentifying a deviation of energy consumption by the energy system thatis above the determined benchmark at an outdoor temperature thatcorrelates to a similar outdoor temperature, wherein the similar outdoortemperature is subsequent to the determined benchmark.
 37. The apparatusof claim 36, wherein the deviation in energy consumption by the energysystem is above the determined benchmark at an outdoor temperature thatcorrelates to a similar outdoor temperature, and wherein the programcode is further configured to initiate reversal of the determinedoccurrence.
 38. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein the program code isfurther configured to determine what occurrence caused the identifieddeviation in energy consumption by the energy system.
 39. The apparatusof claim 38, wherein the program code is further configured to determinewhat occurrence caused the identified deviation in energy consumption bythe energy system by analyzing time correlation data associated with theidentified deviation.
 40. An apparatus, comprising: at least oneprocessor; and a memory including program code, the program codeconfigured to be executed by the at least one processor to use abenchmark of energy consumption for an energy system by receivingcomparative data for the energy system, wherein the received comparativedata includes outdoor temperature data for a plurality of outdoortemperatures over a period of time that the energy system is activated,and wherein the received comparative data includes energy consumptiondata for the energy system corresponding to the received outdoortemperature data; determining the benchmark based upon time correlationof the received outdoor temperature data and the received energyconsumption data for the energy system, wherein the determined benchmarkis indicative of energy consumption expected by the energy system atdifferent outdoor temperatures; and utilizing the determined benchmarkto contract for at least one term in an agreement.
 41. The apparatus ofclaim 40, wherein the term in the agreement is associated with at leastone of an enhancement to the energy system, a replacement to the energysystem, maintenance to the energy system, or energy savings by theenergy system.
 42. The apparatus of claim 40, wherein the program codeis further configured to utilize the determined benchmark to contractfor at least one term in an agreement by utilizing the determinedbenchmark to contract for at least one discount from an energy provider.43. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein the program code is furtherconfigured to utilize the determined benchmark to contract for at leastone discount from an energy provider by providing the determinedbenchmark to the energy provider; and contracting for a discount ifenergy consumption by the energy system is maintained below thedetermined benchmark.
 44. The apparatus of claim 43, wherein the programcode is further configured to report to the energy provider a deviationin energy consumption that lowered energy consumption based on thedetermined benchmark; and receive a discount in response to thedeviation.
 45. The apparatus of claim 40, wherein the program code isfurther configured to utilize the determined benchmark to contract forat least one term in an agreement by setting the term in the agreement.46. An apparatus, comprising: at least one processor; and a memoryincluding program code, the program code configured to be executed bythe at least one processor to use a benchmark of energy consumption foran energy system by receiving comparative data for the energy system,wherein the received comparative data includes outdoor temperature datafor a plurality of outdoor temperatures over a period of time that theenergy system is activated, and wherein the received comparative dataincludes energy consumption data for the energy system corresponding tothe received outdoor temperature data; determining the benchmark basedupon time correlation of the received outdoor temperature data and thereceived energy consumption data for the energy system, wherein thedetermined benchmark is indicative of energy consumption expected by theenergy system at different outdoor temperatures; and verifyingsatisfaction of a term in an agreement utilizing the determinedbenchmark.
 47. The apparatus of claim 46, wherein the program code isfurther configured to verify satisfaction of a term in an agreementutilizing the determined benchmark by receiving additional comparativedata for the energy system subsequent to the agreement; comparing theadditional comparative data to the determined benchmark; and determiningwhether the term of the agreement has been satisfied based upon theoutcome of the comparison.
 48. The apparatus of claim 46, wherein theterm of the agreement is associated with at least one of an enhancementto the energy system, a replacement to the energy system, maintenance tothe energy system, energy savings by the energy system, or a discountfrom an energy provider.